LOUIS ROEDERER Cristal Brut Millesime 2013 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millésime 2013 is an outstanding Champagne that epitomises elegance and sophistication. Sourced exclusively from the estate's vineyards in the renowned villages of Aÿ and Verzy, this vintage showcases the benefits of a cool growing season, resulting in vibrant acidity and complexity. The blend predominantly features Chardonnay, complemented by Pinot Noir, achieving a brilliant golden hue and a fine stream of bubbles. The captivating nose reveals enticing aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers, and brioche, with delicate hints of almonds and minerality. Rated 98 points by Jancis Robinson, James Suckling, and The Wine Advocate, this full-bodied Champagne offers a creamy texture and lively acidity, culminating in a long, rewarding finish, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

ABOUT THIS CHAMPAGNE
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millésime 2013 is a remarkable Champagne that embodies the elegance and sophistication for which the house is renowned. This prestigious wine, created exclusively from grapes sourced from the estate's own vineyards, reflects the distinctive terroir of the Champagne region, particularly the renowned villages of Aÿ and Verzy.

The 2013 vintage is noteworthy, marked by a particularly cool growing season that allowed for a slower ripening process, contributing to the wine’s vibrant acidity and complexity. The blend primarily consists of Chardonnay, complemented by a significant proportion of Pinot Noir, which together create a harmonious balance and structure.

Upon pouring, Cristal 2013 presents a brilliant golden hue with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles that captivates the eye. The nose opens with an inviting bouquet of citrus fruits, including lemon and grapefruit, intertwined with aromas of white flowers and delicate brioche. Subtle hints of almonds and refreshing minerality add layers of depth to the aromatic profile, showcasing the wine's finesse.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and luxurious, offering a creamy texture that elegantly coats the mouth. The vibrant acidity provides a lively structure, enhancing the freshness and balance. Flavours of ripe stone fruits, honey, and a touch of toasty oak harmonise beautifully, leading to a long, gratifying finish.

Cristal Brut Millésime 2013 is an exceptional expression of Louis Roederer's craftsmanship, exemplifying the house's commitment to producing high-quality Champagne. While it can be enjoyed now for its youthful exuberance, this vintage also possesses excellent aging potential, promising further complexity and nuance as it develops in the bottle. An iconic choice for celebratory occasions, this Champagne epitomises the luxury and artistry of fine winemaking, making it a treasured addition to any collection.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98 points
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Drink Date: 2026 - 2053
One of the greatest wines of Louis Roederer’s contemporary chapter, the 2013 Cristal continues to impress. Tasted from magnum, which was disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of 7.5 grams per liter, it wafts from the glass with a bouquet of white flowers, lemon zest and toasted hazelnut, mingling with iodine and smoke. Qualitatively speaking, it's “a copy of 2012 with a month longer growing cycle,” summarizes Lecaillon, and it's indeed true that these two wines represent the high points of the of the decade so far—as only time will tell what Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon will achieve with 2019. Expecting a crystalline, electric wine, given the cool, late-ripening season, the 2013 indeed delivers a Champagne that is bright, with incredible clarity and concentration, even if it’s undeniably a leaner version than its immediate predecessor. Since its release, I've enjoyed the 2013 Cristal several times from my own cellar, but having the opportunity to appreciate it from a magnum delivered an even more textural and seamless experience, emphasizing its chalky personality and laser precision.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
Magnums of Cristal are always released a couple of years after the original release of a vintage. And the 2013 is gorgeous. It’s linear and extremely long, showing real energy and vibe with crushed chalk and stone. Medium-bodied, tight and still structured, with phenolic tension and intensity. Fresh finish. Demonstrates the reserve power of Crystal. Drink or hold.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points
This iconic Champagne, first made in the 19th century for the Tsar of Russia, shows its typical stunning balance and poise between richness and concentration. It has a pure white fruit and honeysuckle aroma and tight, tangy fresh fruit flavors. Just ready to drink, the wine will age well, for at least 20 years. Organic. — Roger Voss

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Simon Field MW
(at Winchester, 24 Apr 2021)
Part of Biodynamic wines explained
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2033
The peak of drinkability is between 15 and 20 years from the harvest; so says Jean-Baptiste, but he has not spared the taster the wondrous early impression of perfection in the making. A soft gold with glistening highlights, like the river meadow at dawn; the nose effortlessly marries a panoply of flavours, the citric grip nodding to hints of passion fruit and Mirabelle plum, with hazelnut and almond signalling the grace of development. Texturally generous, yet tightly wound, taut and flinty yet ripe and open, the wine faithfully underlines the vigneron’s philosophy, every nuance of its template deftly rehearsed and charmingly enacted. Disgorged: autumn 2020. Dosage: 7.5g/L.

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ABOUT LOUIS ROEDERER
Louis Roederer is a prestigious Champagne house located in the Champagne region of France, renowned for its high-quality sparkling wines. Founded in 1776, it has a long history of craftsmanship and innovation, and it remains one of the few family-owned Champagne houses today.

The brand is best known for its flagship cuvée, Cristal, which was first created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Cristal is celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential, characterized by its fine bubbles and balanced acidity. The production of Cristal involves meticulous selection of grapes, primarily from the house's own vineyards, which are grown under sustainable practices.

In addition to Cristal, Louis Roederer produces a range of other exceptional Champagnes, including the Roederer Estate and the Premier Brut. The house emphasizes the importance of terroir, sourcing grapes from some of the best vineyards in Champagne, including those in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs regions. Each Champagne showcases the unique characteristics of the grapes and the environment.

Roederer is committed to maintaining high-quality standards and employs traditional winemaking methods, including malolactic fermentation and aging on lees, which contribute to the richness and complexity of its wines. The house has a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity, integrating eco-friendly practices in vine cultivation and vineyard management.

Over the years, Louis Roederer has received numerous awards and accolades, reinforcing its reputation as one of the top producers in the Champagne industry. Its wines are widely regarded by critics and enthusiasts alike and remain a symbol of luxury and celebration across the globe. The dedication to craftsmanship and quality ensures that Louis Roederer continues to be a highly respected name in the world of Champagne.